Posts Tagged ‘ Worngful Death’

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

Monday, May 10th, 2010

If the negligence or unjust actions of an individual or other entity results in someone being killed, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed against them, and they may be liable to pay monetary damages to the victim’s family. Unlike “normal” negligence lawsuits, which are usually filed by the party injured by the negligence, wrongful death claims differ from these in several ways. These differences can be quite complex and situational and are best described by an experienced California wrongful death lawyer such as Samer Habbas.

In the simplest terms, there are four elements of a wrongful death claim. The elements include the following:

  • A death that was entirely or partly caused by the conduct of the defendant
  • The defendant was negligent and strictly liable for causing the victim’s death
  • There are surviving children or other dependents
  • The victim’s death has resulted in monetary damages

Again, the specifics of what differentiates a wrongful death claim from other types of negligence claims can be very situational. An experienced Southern California wrongful death attorney like Mr. Habbas would best describe this information. If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent acts of another party, you may wish to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Habbas. He can explain why your case does or does not qualify for a wrongful death claim in plain language so that you and other family members can make informed decisions about which course of action will be best for you. Call toll-free 888.848.5084 today to schedule a free consultation with Long beach wrongful death lawyer Samer Habbas and receive answers to your questions.

Resource link:  Wrongful death

Police Seek Hit-and-Run Driver in Fatal Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Southern California Public Radio reports that law enforcement authorities are looking for the driver of a van who struck and killed a motorcycle rider in South Los Angeles. Emergency response personnel pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene of the accident. A representative for the Los Angeles Police Department’s South Traffic Division said that the Los Angeles motorcycle accident occurred at 8:48 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the intersection of 120th and South Main Streets. LA police say the van was westbound on 120th Street when the driver “blew a red phase tri-light and struck the motorist, who was riding south on Main Street,” according to one LAPD detective.

Police say that they are looking for a white Dodge van made in the 1980s “with a blue stripe running down the middle of the vehicle.”

The age, name and address of the victim of this Los Angeles motorcycle accident was not available at the time of publication, but his motorcycle was as a 2001 Suzuki 750cc model. (more…)

Taser Played Role in Man's Death, Lawsuit Filed by Sammer Habbas

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

The following are snippets from an article published on pe.com:

Marlon Acevedo, 35, was high on PCP when he clashed with Riverside police one year ago on Halloween, according to the coroner’s report. He was in the street screaming at passing cars, and officers struck him with batons and shocked him several times, the report said. He died at a hospital less than an hour later…

Samer Habbas, the attorney representing Acevedo’s relatives, said they have sued the Police Department, Chief Russ Leach, officers Daniel Koehler, Jeffrey Ratkovich and James Heiting, and others. The complaint alleges the officers violated Acevedo’s civil rights, wrongfully caused his death and used excessive force — with batons and the Taser — among other accusations.

“We’re talking about a mentally incapacitated person,” Habbas said. “They immediately took an aggressive approach.”

“Because he has PCP in his system, he no longer is going to be considered a human being?” Habbas said.

You can read the full article here: Taser played role in man’s death, report states

Follow our blog for updates on this case and other cases at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas.  If you have a case related to police brutality or wrongful death in Southern California, please contact our offices at 888.848.5084.